THE talking is almost over for the Ynys Mon men’s squad as they prepare for their tilt at the Inter-Island Games tournament.

After months of intense build-up, manager Campbell Harrison and assistant Iwan Williams are now fine-tuning their plans for Sunday’s opening fixture, with excitement gathering pace for a tournament that is being held across Anglesey for the first time in its history.

Although they will be without the services of Caernarfon Town’s livewire forward Danny Brookwell through injury, there is still more than enough talent within the Ynys Mon squad to ensure they can achieve a considerable amount during the tournament, which would do wonders to boost the game in the region.

Skipper Paul Pritchard is no stranger to this environment, with the Porthmadog goalkeeper embarking on his seventh tournament with the squad.

This experience will not only stand him in good stead as he embarks on the captaincy, but it will be a massive asset to have on the pitch to guide the younger members of the squad in what is sure to be a pressurised environment.

Another that is set to set the tournament on fire is new Aberystwyth Town signing Alex Boss, a pacey wide man who is capable of winning a game on his own when he is in the mood, as was shown last season during his outstanding campaign for Bangor City.

The same can also be said of mercurial midfielder Jay Gibbs, who is without question one of the best players at his position anywhere in the region when he is firing on all cylinders, and he has a good relationship with Williams that will hopefully see him remain consistent and switched on during the tournament.

Experienced Holyhead Hotspur duo Mel McGinness and Dean Garmey will also be relied upon heavily during the tournament, and much is also expected of forward Sam Jones after he became one of the leading lights in an otherwise turbulent campaign for the Citizens.

The outstanding form of Llangefni Town and Bodedern Athletic players has seen the squad take on a new look this time around, and the likes of Liam Morris, Matthew Jones, Dan Thomas, and Ryan Taylor are more than deserving of a place in the squad and it would be a surprise if at least one didn’t make a significant impression on the big stage.

Conwy Borough duo Tomos Clarke and Guto Hughes are other very valuable additions to the set-up, and although the strength of opposition is set to be of a very high standard there is no reason why he Ynys Mon squad cannot give a very good account of themselves on home soil.

Getting off to a good start will be key, and with the passionate Anglesey support behind them then there is no telling what this talented group can achieve.